Huntsville, Alabama, is growing fast thanks to the aerospace and tech industries moving into Rocket City. This rapid growth means lots of construction is happening across the city. And of course, all that work means pulling the proper permits.
This guide helps you understand the Huntsville building permit process, including which jobs need permits, the steps to apply, how much you'll pay, and when to expect approval.
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What requires a building permit in Huntsville?
The City of Huntsville requires permits for most structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work.
You’ll need a permit for:
- Any work over $250 in combined labor + materials, or any structural work in any amount
- Accessory structures (e.g., sheds, detached garages, pergolas)
- Moving a house or large structure on City streets (separate Structure Move permit)
- Trade work: most electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas jobs
- Most roofing & siding projects
What doesn’t require a building permit?
According to Huntsville permitting guidelines, a permit is generally not required for:
- Fences (typical residential fences), unless the property is in a Huntsville Historic District (historic approval required)
- Painting, wallpapering, and floor covering (non-structural finish work)
- Work at or under $250 and non-structural (e.g., very small repairs).
When in doubt, always confirm with the Huntsville Inspection Division before starting work.
Huntsville building permit cost
Permit fees in Huntsville are typically calculated based on construction valuation and scope. Below is a general overview of costs for residential and commercial projects.
Huntsville trade permits
Huntsville requires permits for most trades projects.
Trade permit fees in Huntsville follow the same formula of other building permits: total contracting price x $0.0055
Permits for any plumbing, electrical, gas or mechanical work must be pulled by the appropriate contractor.
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How to get a building permit in Huntsville
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documentation
Gather your building permit application, site plans, construction drawings (PDF), scope and valuation, and contractor licensing. Huntsville also flags that many projects require approvals from multiple City departments (Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Inspection, Water Pollution Control, Natural Resources, City Clerk, Legal).
For commercial projects, sealed plans by an Alabama design professional are required in specific cases (e.g., >2,500 sq ft or certain occupancies).
Zoning Administration is the first stop for most permits. Even some residential permits that don’t need plan review may still need zoning approval.
Note: If your site is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, a Flood Development Permit (FDP) is required before permit approval. You can check flood layers in the City GIS.
Step 2: Submit your Huntsville building permit application online
Submit plans through the City’s ePlans Review portal. Upload PDFs only (one combined PDF per discipline is required), follow the file-ordering rules, and register for an account first. After submission, you’ll receive automated status emails and can log in any time to see markups and comments.
Step 3: Plan review
Your application is routed for the appropriate reviews (e.g., Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Inspection; others as needed). The ePlans page explains how comment letters and marked-up plans are returned each cycle.
Note: The City explicitly requires sealed plans by a State-certified design professional if the building is over 2,500 square feet or is an assembly, educational, institutional, or hazardous occupancy.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
When plans are approved, you’ll receive a “Ready for Issuance” email. Residential permits submitted online must be picked up in person after processing.
Step 5: Begin construction and schedule inspections
Use the City’s Online Inspection & Permitting system to request inspections and (for many trades) to request standalone trade permits. You’ll get email confirmations and can see pass/fail and inspector comments online.
Huntsville permitting resources
- Urban & Economic Development
- Address: Huntsville City Hall, 4th Floor, 305 Fountain Circle, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Phone: 256-427-5300
- City of Huntsville Inspection Division
- Address: Huntsville City Hall, 1st Floor, 305 Fountain Circle, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Phone: (256) 427-5331
- Email: George.Muzny@HuntsvilleAL.gov
- Portal: www.huntsvilleal.gov
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
- ePlans Review
- Permit Costs
- Building permit application
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